Senate debates Bills
National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 2) Bill 2023; In Committee
James Paterson Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Cyber Security
11:08 am
But, Minister, in your answer to my previous question, you said the reason for these changes is to ensure that the committee is reflective of the parliament. No Albanese government minister has previously said that. In fact, they've relied on a different rationale to justify this increase, as did the Attorney-General's Department in the PJCIS hearing and in Senate estimates. They have said that the reason why we need to increase the PJCIS is the workload of the PJCIS, but you didn't mention that in your answer. You've now provided a new explanation as to why this is necessary. Could you clarify: is the reason for the increase in the PJCIS membership because of its workload, or is it so you can change the composition to reflect the will of the parliament or the standing of the parliament?
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